Article

Criminals need technology, too

Louisiana prisons to offer kiosk technology to inmates

March 14, 2011

Inmates at the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections and their family members will be able to make payments, send e-mails and communicate via kiosks.

According to a JPay Inc. press release, the correctional facility recently awarded an exclusive contract to the company that describes itself as the "leader in offender-related payment and media services."

JPay will break new ground in the state by bringing electronic payment and e-mail systems custom built for the prison environment, according to RJ Shapiro, CEO of the Miami-based company that serves more than 1.3 million offenders and their friends and families across 22 states.

"We are very excited about our new partnership with the Louisiana DOC," he said.

Video visitations
JPay's two-way video visitation kiosk allows inmates to connect with friends and families at any time and place with Internet access.

"It reduces physical visits, decreases the influx of contraband and reduces inmate movement within the DOC," said Greg Levine, JPay's chief operating officer.

Inmates are notified via e-message at kiosks when they have a video visit scheduled, and the conversations are digitally recorded for staff review. Staff can terminate visits at any time.

Family and friends can type messages, add photo attachments and even send 30 second video grams. Depending on the facility, offenders can respond in writing or electronically using the offender kiosk or offender mobile device.

JPay will also allow jail staff to accept electronic payments through a variety of channels, including the JPay.com website, via iPhone and Android Apps, a toll free and 24/7 call center, walk-in retail locations, lock box acceptance and Processing and turnkey collection kiosks

Shapiro said JPay's entire system is free to DOCs.

"The services are funded by the end user," he said. "It could be the inmate downloading music or the family member sending money on our website using a debit card or walking a cash payment down to a local WalMart."

JPay hopes to have the electronic payment service available statewide within a couple months.

"This is not just a win for us, it's a win for the Louisiana DOC and the friends and families of the Louisiana offenders" Shapiro said.